The Trump administration faces accusations of pressuring the British government to abandon plans to prohibit the import of trophies from hunting expeditions. Doug Bergum, the Interior Secretary under Trump, has reached out to Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds, arguing against the ban, citing potential negative impacts on local economies, conservation initiatives, and cultural sensitivities in the United States.
President Trump, whose sons Donald Jr. and Eric engage in trophy hunting, previously overturned a ban on trophy imports implemented during Barack Obama’s presidency. Major hunting advocacy groups such as the Safari Club International and Dallas Safari Club supported Trump’s re-election campaign.
The Mirror has been actively advocating for a ban on trophy hunting imports, a measure included in the Labour Government’s manifesto. Despite delays, Defra minister Mary Creagh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the ban late last year, although several proposed trophy hunting Bills failed to progress due to time constraints in Parliament.
Eduardo Goncalves, founder of The Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting, condemned the Trump administration’s interference, emphasizing the UK’s sovereignty in decision-making. He highlighted widespread public support for the ban and criticized the lobbying efforts of pro-hunting groups funded by US organizations.
In response to the pressure, Goncalves urged Keir Starmer to uphold the government’s promise to legislate the ban this year. In his communication, Mr. Burgum expressed concerns to Ms. Reynolds that the ban could hinder conservation efforts globally, emphasizing the role of regulated trophy hunting in wildlife management, habitat restoration, and local economies.
Burgum encouraged the United Kingdom to engage in dialogue through established channels rather than pursuing a blanket ban on all trophy imports.